Imposter Syndrome in the Workplace

Downplaying our own achievements is something many of us do without even realising it. Have you ever felt like you didn’t really deserve praise or a reward, even when everyone else thought you did? This feeling is known as imposter syndrome. It’s when people doubt their own abilities and think they’re not good enough, despite evidence showing they are. They might believe their success is just down to luck, and worry about being exposed as a “fraud” who doesn’t really know what they’re doing.

In today’s fast-moving work environment, it’s becoming more common for employees to feel this way. The pressure to perform well can make people doubt themselves even more. Those experiencing imposter syndrome might turn down compliments, avoid asking for help or feedback, work too hard to the point of exhaustion, hesitate to make decisions, or avoid going after their goals because they’re scared of failing. All of these actions can hold someone back in their career.

But there’s good news: there are ways to overcome these feelings. Here are a few steps anyone can take:

1. Learn from Failure: Understand that making mistakes is part of learning and growing. Instead of fearing failure, see it as a chance to improve.
2. Focus on Your Achievements: Remind yourself of your skills and what you’ve accomplished. Make a list of your successes and the reasons you’re qualified for your job, rather than dwelling on any mistakes or things you haven’t done.
3. Build a Support Network: Connect with your colleagues and create a supportive environment at work. Sharing how you feel can help, as others might be going through the same thing and you can support each other.
4. Balance Perfectionism: It’s great to aim for high standards, but remember it’s impossible to be perfect. Learn to accept and forgive yourself when things don’t go as planned.

By focusing on these steps, we can start to feel more confident in our achievements and reduce those feelings of being an imposter. It’s about changing our mindset, seeking support, and remembering that everyone makes mistakes—it’s how we learn from them that counts. This way, we can all start to appreciate our successes more and feel more secure in our abilities.